TargetTalk

I was wondering if anyone could give any advice on flying to the UK with my LP10. I am studying there and want to bring my steyr over from the US.

I understand that they are unregulated because they have less than 6 ft lbs of energy. I also have a manufacturer's certificate from Steyr saying so.

Is there other paperwork that is needed? I am flying US aiways and their online guidance says to check it as a firearm. But I am wondering if I will encounter trouble when I land at Heathrow. I assume I will have to declare it at customs?

Has anyone done this recently?

never flown overseas myself with guns - but know plenty that have

You should not have a problem.

Tell your airline (you may need to pay more) - and declare it when you book in and land.

They may inspect it, they may not.

Ask your airline what protocol is regarding the case - some want it locked, some want it unlocked.

Dr_Park,

It shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure that everyone and his dog knows in advance that you have an air pistol that you are taking with you and ensure that the cylinders are empty. Pm Motorcycle_Dan on this board as he regularly travels to the UK (and elsewhere) with an air pistol.

You may also wish to get in touch with the National Smallbore Rifle Association (NSRA):

http://www.nsra.co.uk/index.php/home/contact-us

Ali Aitken and Brian Woodall are the contacts there. They can give you advice and will help you (if you need it) to find somewhere to shoot. Alternatively if you you wish to PM me I may be able to help you find a club, depending upon where you will be staying in the UK.

Finally, the British Airgun Championships are on 20-22 February 2015 at Bisley. Contact the NSRA competitions department to request an entry form.

ATB
Rutty

Thank you both for your advice.

I messaged Motorcycle_Dan and hope to hear back soon.

I will PM you, Rutty, in regards to some questions about shooting in the UK.

Are there other forms that I should have on me? Perhaps a printout of the relevant legal guidance from the Met? (http://content.met.police.uk/Site/firea ... airweapons)

I am worried that they will not think my air pistol meets requirements.

Again, thank you for your help. I feel a little more at ease about this process.

Mail it to a buddy. Well Insured.

Does your pistol have the "F in a pentagon" mark?

If it does then educated border and police officers (which is most of them) will recognise it and you won't have any problems.

There have been instances recently, even with the "F" mark, of border officers causing problems. They have been spooked by the increased security alert level. The letter from Steyr will hopefully satisfy them.

If your gun hasn't got the "F" mark then expect problems whenever it is inspected by officials.